Who We Are

The Al-Jaafaria Shia Islamic Centre (AJSIC) was established in 1991, starting from humble beginnings in the garage of one of the believers. Despite these modest beginnings, we remained committed to upholding the Islamic commemorative ceremonies throughout the year. The founding committee consisted of esteemed personalities and many other dedicated individuals under the guidance of Sheikh Fahd Mehdi, the first Muslim Shia cleric in Australia and the founder of Al Zahra Mosque, it became clear that our growing community needed more spaces to foster Islamic education and outreach.

Why Shia?

We proudly identify as Shia because the Holy Prophet (SAWW) himself referred to the Shia of Ali (AS) as the best and victorious followers of his nation. As Shia of Ali, we aspire to embody the values and characteristics he exemplified. While we are part of the greater Muslim Ummah, we recognize the importance of clarifying our identity, especially in a world where Shia communities have often been misrepresented.

Our Journey

In 1992, as our community continued to grow, we moved to larger premises in Rockdale, which became a central hub for Islamic education in the St George area. With the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers, we laid the groundwork for a new, more expansive centre in Turrella. In 2000, we officially moved to Turrella with a vision to build a community centre that would also include a school to cater to the needs of our growing population.

Our Loss

In 2005, we faced a heartbreaking loss with the passing of Sheikh Fahd Mehdi . His death left an irreplaceable void in our community that could never be filled.

We found solace in the strong foundation and vibrant, dedicated youth he left behind.

New Beginnings

In 2007, we acquired a new centre in the heart of the St George area, near Kogarah CBD. This new location served as a platform for launching better and more comprehensive programs. It became a cornerstone for community support, youth education, and tackling various community challenges.

Continuing the Legacy

Over time, AJSIC has become an established and vibrant pillar of the community. More than just an Islamic Centre, we’ve endeavoured to widen our scope of service. This included the establishment and servicing of the Imam Mahdi School and Shia Islamic SRE, in addition to other charitable and social endeavours we run and are contributors in.

Our Vision for the Future

More recently, AJSIC has purchased a plot of land in Mount Annan, with plans for an all-inclusive community centre to cater for the communities’ spiritual, social and sporting needs.

As we move forward, we remain dedicated to supporting our community with diverse activities and programs. We invite everyone to participate in the centre’s offerings and welcome any feedback or suggestions to help us enhance our services.